Manual Osteopathic therapy (MOT) can help reduce stress-related heart disease by addressing the body’s structural, nervous, and circulatory systems. Our very own Manual Osteopathic Therapist Derek Chiu explains:

MOT has a few foundational modalities specifically targeting these three systems by restoring balance, reducing tension, and improving overall body function. 

First, we need to understand how stress can affect and cause certain heart diseases such as Coronary Artery Disease, Strokes, arrhythmia, etc. In general, stress can trigger the release of adrenaline and cortisol, which activates the sympathetic nervous system (fight or flight system) in the body, resulting in an increase in heart rate, inflammation and blood pressure. Chronic high blood pressure often leads to artery damage, making them less flexible and promoting atherosclerosis. Once the hardening of the arteries begins, blood flow can also become less efficient, leading to plaque buildup, which forms clots. These are only a few examples of how stress can affect heart disease.

Manual Osteopathic techniques such as cranial sacral therapy, visceral manipulation, and simple osteopathic adjustments can reduce the build-up of stress in the body and, therefore, also indirectly reduce the chances of developing stress-related heart diseases. By using Cranial sacral therapy to realign the cranial bones and synchronize the connection between the upper and lower body, we directly stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system, which balances the fight or flight system, promoting relaxation and lowering the cortisol and adrenaline levels in the body. This leads to lower blood pressure and prevents artery strains and future damage. 

Visceral manipulation is another technique that directly affects the organs involved in the three systems to reduce stress. By working directly with organs such as the lungs or the heart, we can encourage them to move in their natural rhythm, allowing them to work more efficiently, increase blood flow with more oxygen, and decrease the amount of strain the heart experiences. 

Osteopathic adjustments can also decrease the amount of stress throughout the body. By realigning the skeletal structures such as the ribs, shoulders and collarbone, we can increase the function and space of the lungs, allowing deeper breathing. This can reduce the strain on the cardiovascular system and stimulate the parasympathetic system, calming the mental state.   

To learn more about how osteopathic therapy can help decrease stress-related heart diseases, feel free to book an appointment with us.